A Council of Three

Julian answered--without ringing the bell.

"I am more interested than ever," he said, "now I find that Miss
Roseberry herself is your guest at Mablethorpe House."

"You were always perverse, Julian, as a child, in your likings and
dislikings," Lady Janet rejoined. "Why don't you ring the bell?"

"For one good reason, my dear aunt. I don't wish to hear you tell your
servants to close the door on this friendless creature."

Lady Janet cast a look at her nephew which plainly expressed that she
thought he had taken a liberty with her.

"You don't expect me to see the woman?" she asked, in a tone of cold
surprise.

"I hope you will not refuse to see her," Julian answered, quietly. "I
was out when she called. I must hear what she has to say--and I should
infinitely prefer hearing it in your presence. When I got your reply
to my letter, permitting me to present her to you, I wrote to her
immediately, appointing a meeting here."

Lady Janet lifted her bright black eyes in mute expostulation to the
carved Cupids and wreaths on the dining-room ceiling.

"When am I to have the honor of the lady's visit?" she inquired, with
ironical resignation.

"To-day," answered her nephew, with impenetrable patience.

"At what hour?"

Julian composedly consulted his watch. "She is ten minutes after her
time," he said, and put his watch back in his pocket again.

At the same moment the servant appeared, and advanced to Julian,
carrying a visiting card on his little silver tray.